The Katsina State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on Tuesday announced that plans are underway to conduct competency tests for all principals and vice principals of secondary schools across the state.

The outcomes of tests, according to the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Hon. Zainab Musawa, will guide reappointments and ensure a merit-based approach to school leadership, thereby promoting dedicated and sound leadership in the schools.

Disclosing this during a press briefing at her office in the Ministry, the commissioner also reacted to the recent media reports which she believed, have portrayed the state?s performance in the 2024 National Examinations Council (NECO) results in a negative light.

?While it is true that Katsina State?s percentage performance in the 2024 NECO exams shows room for improvement, the report also highlights several key areas where the state excelled,? the Commissioner stated.

Musawa emphasized only the percentage performance while deliberately ignoring other significant indices that reflect positive strides in the state?s education sector.

She revealed that the ministry also plans to reintroduce mandatory prep classes for all final-year students, whether boarding or day students, with special coaching arrangements in Mathematics and English language subjects.

?Notably, Katsina State ranked sixth nationally in the number of students who passed the exam with five credits and above, including Mathematics and English.

?This is a staggering achievement, with 29,633 students meeting this critical benchmark?more than in at least 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

?In contrast, some states recorded fewer than 10,000 students who passed with five credits, including Mathematics and English.

?The 29,633 successful candidates from Katsina State are more than enough to fill the state?s quota in universities and other tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session.

?This figure represents a significant increase from the 25,152 candidates who met the same benchmark in 2023, reflecting a remarkable growth of approximately 17.8%.

She, therefore, explained that this initiative aims to better prepare students for their final exams and significantly improve their performance.

She noted that the Ministry remains dedicated to providing quality education to all students and ensuring that the future of Katsina State is bright. (Channels)

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